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Evaluating the Role of Biotic and Abiotic Ecosystem Components on the Retention and Removal of Ditch Nutrients in Ditches of Different Construction

Paull, Rachel May
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1594220539737151

Abstract Details

2020, Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, Biological Sciences.
As headwaters transporting agricultural runoff to streams and lakes, agricultural ditches may be a key component to reducing nutrient loading and harmful algal blooms. While conventional trapezoidal ditches are the most widely used, two stage ditches and self-forming streams are starting to be constructed as a means of management. Two stage ditches and self-forming streams may be useful for their wider floodplains, allowing slower movement of water and less erosion, promoting environments that retain and remove more nutrients than the more narrow conventional ditches. Here I examined multiple nutrient pools and fluxes (plants, invertebrates, sediments, water, and biofilm) of phosphorus and nitrogen in both May and July of 2018. I also tested the effects of isopods on nutrient cycling in ditch sediments in laboratory experiments. The results showed that ditch morphology did little to impact the concentration of nutrients, but did alter nutrient density and total nutrient retention, which was related to the width of the ditch. Plant and sediment pools were found to retain the most nutrients. Self-forming streams retained the most nutrients but supported a low biomass and diversity of invertebrates which can be important in nutrient cycling and multiple ecosystem functions. Bioturbation was found to be less important than excretion with invertebrates that rework surface sediments. Overall, my results suggest two stage ditches may balance increased nutrient retention while at the same time maintain aquatic habitat quality.
Kevin McCluney, Dr. (Advisor)
Enrique Gomezdelcampo, Dr. (Committee Member)
James Hood, Dr. (Committee Member)
Helen Michaels, Dr. (Committee Member)
99 p.
Agricultural Chemicals; Agriculture; Biology; Ecology; Geomorphology; Hydrology; Water Resource Management
Agriculture; Ditches; Nitrogen; Phosphorus; Nutrient Cycling; Self-Forming Streams; Two Stage Ditches; Aquatic Invertebrates; Bioturbation; Surface Water

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Paull, R. M. (2020). Evaluating the Role of Biotic and Abiotic Ecosystem Components on the Retention and Removal of Ditch Nutrients in Ditches of Different Construction [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1594220539737151

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Paull, Rachel. Evaluating the Role of Biotic and Abiotic Ecosystem Components on the Retention and Removal of Ditch Nutrients in Ditches of Different Construction. 2020. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1594220539737151.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Paull, Rachel. "Evaluating the Role of Biotic and Abiotic Ecosystem Components on the Retention and Removal of Ditch Nutrients in Ditches of Different Construction." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1594220539737151

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1594220539737151
168
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This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.